The Place is Palatial

“I’ll give you the full tour later. Down that way is the pool. Feel free to use it anytime.”

“I didn’t bring a suit.”

“Just give your size to my assistant, Andrew. He’ll order you a few.”

“Oh, ok.”

“The kitchen is down there. My chef Marianne is here until around midnight, so if you want anything just ask her.”

You can’t believe you are going to be staying here. The whole thing feels almost surreal.

“Down this way is the guest wing. I’m giving you the nicest room.”

You stroll the distance of a city block before getting to a large oak door. Tanya opens it.

“Here. Please, make yourself at home. Your mother will be coming with me to the master suite.” She winks at your mom.

“Thank you.”

You walk in. You quickly realize the room is bigger than your mom’s house. It has a king sized four-poster bed, yet the room seems sparsely filled. Sculptures decorate the corners and oil paintings hang on the walls.

Connected to the bedroom is a bathroom that is easily twice the size of your bedroom. The is a whirlpool tub and a green marble shower. The toilet appears to have heated seats and a bunch strange buttons. Frankly, you are a little scared to poop.

You leave your room and head out toward the kitchen. You hope you can get a little something to eat.

You manage to retrace your steps and find the kitchen. A slightly rotund woman in a white chef’s uniform and hat.

“Hello, you must be Gracie.” She says with a slight French accent.

“Yes “

“Tanya said to get you whatever you’d like. How about some crepe suzettes?”

“Can I just get a burger?”

“Of course.”

She heads into the kitchen and you take a seat. You realize you have no idea where to catch the bus from to go work.

Marianne brings you out the fanciest burger you ever seen.

“I hope you don’t mind Kobe?”

You aren’t quite sure what Kobe is so you just nod. You take a bite of the burger and it’s fantastic.

“Oh my god, this is good.”

“That’s sweet, thank you Gracie.”

“Do you know where Tanya and my mom are?”

“Try the library. Tanya likes to relax there.”

“Um, could you point the way there?”

She laughs. “Of course.”

You trace your way into the library and find Tanya reading. She looks up.

“Gracie, so nice to see you. Is your room up to your standard?”

“It beautiful. Thank you. I was just wondering where I can catch the bus to go to work.”

Tanya laughs. “I’m afraid there’s no bus line near here. You’ll have to take one of the cars. Just grab the keys from the board. Oh, and don’t take my daughter’s Ferrari, she’s very possessive of it.”

You struggle with statement.

“You have a daughter?” Is the first thing you blurt out.

“Yes. I told her about you and she’s really excited to meet you. She’s just a year or two older and she’s always wanted a younger sister.”

“I can’t wait to meet her.” You say nervously.

“You’ll love her. Good night, Gracie.”

You head back to your room. Somehow you manage to find your way back without getting lost.

You crash on the bed and try to sleep. You lay there awake for some time. You realize there is no noise whatsoever, except the distant chirps of crickets. Finally you drift off to sleep.